Start Your Path to Healing With Counseling for Trauma in Houston, TX
Most people experience trauma in their lifetime, whether because of a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster. While many people recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends, others may discover the effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist are fundamental for healing.
Counseling for trauma at Emily Blessinger Counseling in Houston, Texas, provides a supportive space to process these experiences, helping you regain a sense of control and inner peace. Whether your trauma stems from an abusive relationship, troublesome family dynamics, perinatal loss, or another sad event, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Trauma Is Not Always Easily Identified
The first step to treating trauma is getting a diagnosis. However, this is not as simple as it may seem. According to the DSM-5, there are four types of symptoms:
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
- Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
For many, their trauma is not the result of one catastrophic incident. Instead, it may be caused by ongoing stress, childhood experiences, or situations that made you feel unsafe or unheard. Many people don’t even realize they are carrying trauma because it can show up in ways that seem “normal,” such as:
- Difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships
- Feeling constantly on edge or easily overwhelmed
- Avoiding certain situations, places, or people without knowing why
- Struggling with self-doubt, shame, or feelings of unworthiness
- Experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, or emotional numbness
- Having persistent negative thoughts about yourself or the world
If any of these sound familiar, trauma counseling can help you explore the root causes of these feelings and provide tools to heal. Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of trauma treatment. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are used. For best results, though, you should speak with a therapist who will tailor treatment to you.
Tailored Counseling for Trauma in Houston
Emily Blessinger Counseling not only offers tailored counseling for trauma to Houston residents, but we also provide telehealth therapy so that you can speak with a qualified mental health professional in the comfort of your own home. Schedule a free consultation today and get on track to a new, healthier you!